Dominic Monaghan, best known to Middle-earth fans for his portrayal of the hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck in Peter Jackson’s live-action trilogy, is set to appear at São Paulo’s Comic Con Experience (CCXP) as part of a 25th-anniversary reunion for the film series. The event will also feature Elijah Wood, who played the iconic Frodo Baggins, alongside other cast members from the beloved franchise. The news comes as fans prepare to mark a quarter-century since the first film, The Fellowship of the Ring, hit theaters in 2001.
While the exact full roster for the CCXP panel has not been officially confirmed, the inclusion of Monaghan and Wood signals a significant gathering of original cast talent. The reunion is expected to be a major draw for the convention, which has become one of the largest pop culture events in the world. For Monaghan, his return to the spotlight for this anniversary is a notable moment, as his portrayal of Merry remains one of the most cherished performances in the saga, providing both comic relief and emotional depth across the three films.
The anniversary celebration comes alongside renewed interest in the franchise, though the specific programming details for the CCXP panel are still under wraps. Organizers have teased that the reunion will likely include a mix of behind-the-scenes stories, fan Q&A sessions, and possibly exclusive footage or announcements related to the broader Lord of the Rings universe. Given the scale of the event, which typically attracts tens of thousands of attendees, the panel is expected to be one of the highest-profile moments of the convention.
Monaghan’s addition to the lineup follows a busy period for the actor, who has continued to work across film, television, and voice acting since his time in Middle-earth. His career has included roles in projects ranging from Lost to various genre films, but his connection to the Rings trilogy remains a defining part of his legacy. The reunion will give fans a chance to see him interact with his former co-stars on stage, a format that proved enormously popular during similar anniversary panels held in recent years for other franchises.
For context, the original 1978 animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, directed by Ralph Bakshi, also remains a touchstone for the franchise’s history, though it is a separate production from the live-action films. That version, which featured voice actors such as Christopher Guard as Frodo and William Squire as Gandalf, covered a portion of the story and has its own dedicated following, particularly for its groundbreaking rotoscope animation techniques. The 25th-anniversary celebration, however, specifically focuses on the Jackson films, which turned the trilogy into a global cultural phenomenon.
The CCXP event, scheduled later this year, is no stranger to major Hollywood presentations. Previous editions have hosted premieres, exclusive trailers, and cast reunions for other blockbuster properties, making it a fitting venue for this milestone. Fans attending or watching remotely can expect a nostalgic atmosphere, as the actors reflect on the grueling but rewarding production in New Zealand, the lasting impact of the films, and their relationships with one another on and off set.
Monaghan’s schedule leading up to CCXP remains active, but the reunion takes precedence as a professional and personal homecoming. The actor has often spoken warmly about his time filming the trilogy, recalling the close bond formed with Wood, Sean Astin, and the rest of the fellowship. With the anniversary panel, he will have the chance to share those memories directly with the fans who have kept the films alive for two and a half decades.
Additional cast members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, though no official confirmation has been given beyond the initial names. Given the popularity of the franchise, it is likely that the panel will draw significant media attention, and organizers are reportedly working to ensure the event runs smoothly given the expected demand for tickets and streaming access.
For now, the news offers a bright spot for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts, who have seen a variety of new projects in recent years, from Amazon’s television series to eventual new theatrical releases. The reunion serves as a reminder of the original trio of films, which won numerous Academy Awards and redefined the fantasy genre for a new generation. As the date approaches, fans will watch closely for further announcements, hoping that more of the fellowship will join Monaghan and Wood on stage in what promises to be an emotional and celebratory tribute to a cinematic milestone.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
